HC Deb 23 February 1970 vol 796 cc798-9
9. Mr. Dewar

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has to review the basis on which industrial development certificates are issued.

Mr. Varley

No, Sir. The policy operates successfully and no changes are contemplated at present.

Mr. Dewar

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that there will be no tailing off in Scotland's percentage of the total factory floor space completions in the next year?

Mr. Varley

I think that I can give my hon. Friend the assurance that certainly in the congested areas i.d.c.s will be looked at very critically. Scotland's share fell last year, but short-term comparisons are misleading. In the period 1966–1969, for example, i.d.c. approvals for Scotland rose by more than half compared with 1962–65.

36. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Minister of Technology what recent evaluation he has made of the effectiveness of the industrial development certificate policy.

Mr. Benn

I maintain a continuing concern with the effectiveness of i.d.c. policy.

Mr. Maclennan

In view of my right hon. Friend's study of this, can he reassure those hon. Members, particularly Scottish Members, who have expressed concern that, due to pressure by the Opposition, there may be some relaxation of this policy, that it has played a crucial role in expanding industrial opportunities, particularly in Scotland?

Mr. Benn

No i.d.c. has ever been refused in Scotland and the Scottish share rose by more than half in 1966–69 compared with 1962–65, although there was some falling off last year as a proportion of the whole. I share my hon. Friend's view that the Opposition's policy towards development areas would hit Scotland very hard.